HL Deb 19 July 2000 vol 615 cc98-9WA
Baroness Blatch

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Minister of State at the Cabinet Office on 23 June I (WA 49), whether the sole shareholder of the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) will now answer the question whether he was involved in any discussions about the replacement of Mr Bob Ayling as chairman of the NMEC, prior to Mr Ayling informing him on his decision to resign. [HL3128]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

The appointment of Chairman to the New Millennium Experience Company is the collective responsibility of the board. Following the Millennium Commission meeting on 22 May, the Chairman informed me that a number of conditions had been set in agreeing to provide further grant to NMEC. One of those conditions was the replacement of Mr Ayling as Chairman of NMEC. Irrespective of that condition, Mr Ayling decided 'to resign. I discussed Mr Ayling's decision, and the subsequent decision by the board to appoint David Quarmby as its new chairman, with a number of hoard members during the course of 23 May.

Baroness Blatch

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Minister of State at the Cabinet Office on 23 June (WA 49), whether the sole shareholder of the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) discussed with any person other than Mr David Quarmby the idea of his or her succeeding Mr Bob Ayling as chairman of the NMEC. [HL3130]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

The responsibility for appointing the chairman of the New Millennium Experience Company rests with the board. On 23 May, Robert Ayling resigned and later that day the board appointed David Quarmby as the new chairman. The board kept me informed of its deliberations on this matter throughout the day.